They’ve been labelled ‘cringe’ and ‘entitled’
English rock duo Royal Blood are facing criticism after a clip of their singer insulting the crowd at Radio 1’s Big Weekend went viral.
The band were one of several musical acts that played the main stage on Sunday at the annual festival organised by Radio 1, which this year was held in Dundee.
In a video posted online by The Rock Revival, Royal Blood’s vocalist and bassist Mike Kerr appeared frustrated with the crowd that turned out to see the group at the festival, telling them: “I guess I should introduce ourselves seeing as no one actually knows who we are. We’re called Royal Blood and this is rock music.
“Who likes rock music?”
Responding to cheers, the singer then replied sarcastically: “Nine people. Brilliant,” before introducing drummer Ben Thatcher.
Kerr is also heard in the clip telling the crowd: “We’re having to clap ourselves because that was so pathetic.”
He is then seen turning to the camera operator to ask him to clap, later saying to audience members: “Yes, even he’s clapping. What does that say about you?”
Meanwhile, following Royal Blood’s set, Kerr threw his guitar to the ground and stuck his middle fingers up to the crowd as he exited the stage.
The band have been roundly criticised for their behaviour during the set, with many wondering what the duo expected from the crowd at a pop-focused event like Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
They were also sandwiched between Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi in the running order.
One person wrote: “Royal Blood are brilliant live, but respect the audience. This is a festival not a Royal Blood gig & you’re playing before arguably the biggest British artist right now in Lewis Capaldi, 70%+ aren’t here for you. Should be trying to make new fans at festivals like this.”
Another said: “Royal Blood’s agent puts them on at a pop festival for money and instead of getting the job done and bollicking their management afterwards, they act like little babies and insult the crowd paying to see a band who probably shouldn’t be on the bill.”
Other labelled the duo “cringe” and “entitled.”
Meanwhile, the band Lottery Winners also called them out, saying they were “very disappointed.”
Royal Blood have yet to comment since the incident.
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